Nashville Mom Creates Petition To Allow Fans At High School Sporting Events

Last week, Metro Nashville Public Schools announced the return of high school sports, but with one condition: no fans. MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle said fall sports will begin this week and although fans are not allowed to attend in person, the district is working to livestream the events. For some parents of student-athletes, however, this isn't enough. One parent even created an online petition demanding the district allow fans to attend.

Felicia Lively's daughter is a senior cheerleader at Hillwood High School. Because this is her last year cheering, Felicia and her husband were upset they would not get to see her final games at the school.

"That really just hurt us because we've attended all of her games, and we just can't imagine not being able to attend, and we went to a game on Friday in Sumner County, and I was literally just in tears over the fact of not being able to go and support her school, her senior year, have senior night," Lively told News Channel 5.

To help other fans and parents like herself, she created an online petition asking for MNPS to change its decision. As of Monday morning, it had 637 signatures.

"Let parents/fans attend," the petition's website reads. "Metro Nashville Schools made the decision to only allow football players, cheerleaders, and band members to attend the fall sports. As parents and the community members we should be able to support our athletes and local schools."

"All surrounding counties are allowing fans to participate," the petition continues. "We should be able to wear our mask and social distance. It should be up to the families. Allowing the parents/fans to attend would also allow seniors to have a senior night."

Metro Nashville girls soccer is set to begin Wednesday, September 23, and football games will start Friday, September 25.

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